Corn Breeding Research Intern

Beck's Superior Hybrids•Seward, NE

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a paid internship from May to August 2027, offering valuable experience in the agriculture industry and professional development. The intern will learn about and assist Beck’s Breeding team in inbred and hybrid development, participating in various facets of corn breeding, product development, inbred evaluation, and research. The internship may be eligible for college credit depending on the candidate's school curriculum.

Requirements

Sophomore or higher in a college or university program; exceptional Freshman may be considered.
Studying Plant Breeding, Genetics, Plant Pathology, Agronomy, or Plant Science.
Must have an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Possess a positive attitude.
Ability to establish priorities, possess a self-starter mentality, and work well independently and as a team member.
Ability to work outside and tolerate high temperatures, high humidity, rain, and muddy conditions.
Interns must provide own transportation to Beck facility near Goehner, NE.
Availability for overtime.
Availability for overnight travel.
Must submit to a drug test and background check (subject to applicable laws) if an offer of employment is made.

Nice To Haves

Farm background and general farm knowledge.
Knowledge of data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

Work with the Breeding team taking notes on inbreds, learning major aspects of corn breeding, inbred observation, development, and testing.
Manage several inbred testing and observation plots.
Assist in taking inbred and hybrid notes.
Assist with pollination of Beck’s corn breeding nurseries.
Assist with detasseling Beck’s top cross plots.
Learn how to monitor test plots for emergence issues, recording and evaluating stand counts, determine stage of growth for development, and evaluating/recording overall plant growth.
Learn about the major diseases of corn and evaluate inbreds for their susceptibility.
Assist with preparing seed for this season’s test plots and nurseries, including packaging seed and sorting into planting order.
Assist in planting test plots and research nursery.
Assist in collecting required notes and other agronomic data.
Travel with Beck’s staff to outlying locations to assist with planting test plots and learn how Beck’s manages its research and testing program.
Other duties assigned by the members of the Breeding team or for the benefit of Beck’s Hybrids.